Events

Mike Christie

CHRISTIE, Mike
December 20, 1949 - July 11, 2019
Mike passed away at his home in Denver, Colorado, on July 11 from complications of chronic kidney disease. Although he had lived there for almost 50 years, his formative years were in Calgary where he maintained numerous long-term relationships. Mike was born in Big Spring, Texas, and moved to Calgary at an early age, where he developed the athletic skills that underpinned his future. Although proficient in many sports, hockey was his first love. He rose through the ranks of Calgary's minor hockey system, graduated from St. Mary's Boys High School and then went on to the University of Denver on a hockey scholarship. He played four years there, achieving All-American status his senior year. Signed by the Chicago Blackhawks out of college, he began a professional career that led to him playing with four different NHL teams before retiring in 1981. Highlights of this period were playing for Team USA at the World Championships and the inaugural Canada Cup and, being named captain of the Colorado Rockies under Don Cherry. After hockey, Mike started a second career as a sales representative that allowed him to enjoy his other athletic passion - golf. He represented several well-known brands, including Callaway and Top-Flite, before retiring in 2010. Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Molly (née Hamill), two daughters, Lisa and Colleen (Matt), son Dan (Jen), and four grandchildren; Kenzie, Max, Harper, and Teagan. Also surviving and mostly in Calgary are his siblings Jim (Cheryl), Dave (Johanna), Tom, Missy (Paul), Susie (Solon), and numerous nephews and nieces. A celebration of life will be held at Meridian Golf Club in Englewood, Colorado, on August 29. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Mike was a patient of ours and one of my favorites. He always was so positive although he was going through a chronic illness. It was obvious how good of a relationship he and Molly had and I will always remember them fondly. I'm so sorry for your loss Molly!

Derm Strong, Kamloops, BC

Aug 03, 2019

March of 1963 Sacred Heart Elementary played in the Catholic School Hockey finals. Although Sacred Heart lost, our team had the best player, Mike Christie. Even then, Mike had something special on the ice. His brother Dave played, as well as his friend Jim Burke. Our coach was Mr. LaPointe. Mike was fun to be around. As I recall he loved to laugh.
I knew that he had had a career in hockey. I graduated a year ahead of Mike from St. Mary’s Boy’s and like many lost touch. Reading Mike’s obituary made me sad. I still remember Mike all those years ago. Bless you Mike and your family.

Scott Hart

Jul 30, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Michael was such a fine man. He will be missed by many.

Carol Anne Christie Juhasz

Jul 25, 2019

So very sorry to learn of Mike's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love from Carol and JimJuhasz

Kevin Christie

Jul 23, 2019

Molly and family,

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you .

I fondly remember Mike, he will be missed.

Rev. Eric Nelson

Jul 21, 2019

To Mike’s Families may I send condolences as he is born into eternity. I admired deeply the Christie pluck and the abundance of talent everywhere. It was a grace to know your Mom and Dad and your family. I am sorry for your loss; it seems premature.

Delilah Bookout

Jul 20, 2019

Such sadness in my heart for your loss, dear Mollie, children, and all of Mike's loved ones. I shall never forget Mike's coaching skills of the boys when hickey was the "goon" sport. He helped make my son, Michael Boggus"Boggie", the wonderful man, husband, and and father he is today. May Mike forever rest in the loving arms of Our Lord forever.

Jim Burke

Jul 20, 2019

I am very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I have known Mike for more than 50 years as Dave’s younger brother. I have very fond memories of learning to play golf together at Shaganappi – a sport that he continued with throughout his adult career. Through the years, we went to the same schools and played many sports together growing up. Mike was a very good athlete then and developed into a very good hockey player. Over the years, he moved away to college and the NHL but I had a chance to see him from time to time. During his NHL career, Mike was always good at stopping by the boards during warm-ups for a quick chat and an update on each other’s lives. I saw Mike for the last time... about 20 years ago when I went to Denver for a weekend and we spent a little time together. Mike always made time for you and never forgot his roots in Calgary. God bless you and rest in peace Mike. My deepest condolences to the Christie family here in Calgary and in Denver.Read more

Denis McGrath

Jul 20, 2019

Missy

I am sorry to read of your brothers passing. Please accept my condolences. I also sent word to my brother Emmet in Vancouver.

Sincerely,

Denis McGrath

Keith Hall

Jul 19, 2019

This is not easy, Mike and Molly have been friends for 50 years..Mike and I were roomates at Denver, for four years we discuss a lot of topics on trips to Denver and back to Calgary...it seems to me that his "wish lists" always came to playing Professional Hockey and being with Molly...he won on all fronts. A good guy, great memories... Your friend Pots!

Keith Hall

Jul 19, 2019

This is really difficult, living with Mike for four years at Denver and all those trips back and forth, there wasn't a lot of topic we didn't explore...one standard was his love for Molly.. he did so well! I would love to elaborate on our "life and time" at Denver, there are some great stories, Mike was a great guy, he knew that Professional hockey was his future, he certainly attained that!. .I'll miss you my friend....Keith(the Potman)

Mary Lynn Ilnitsky (nee Woofter)

Jul 19, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have many fond memories of growing up down the street and then next door to the Christie family and of Mike as one of the boys who let us girls play Hide & Seek and Kick the Can on those long summer nights back in the Sixties. My sincerest sympathy go out to Molly and their children as well as Jim & Cheryl, Dave & Johanna, Tommy, Missy & Paul and Susie & Solon.

Gary Fredricks

Jul 19, 2019

Grew up living a few houses away from Mike. Fondly remember playing everything from "knee tackle" in his side yard, to shooting countless hoops in the driveway. Competition was always fierce, but these were some of my best memories. Lost touch when we went to separate high schools together, and I moved to Florida.
May he rest in peace.

Lesley Barlass, friend and neighbor of the Hamill clan

Jul 18, 2019

Such a wonderful human being. Blessed at birth with athletic prowess and a wicked sense of humour. Blessed in life with love an amazing family and the gift of innumerable friendships. He we truly be missed.

Chris Howells

Jul 18, 2019

I've known, and loved the Christie family since I was 5 years old. I will always remember with fondness, playing sports in the early sixties with Mike and brothers. Hockey...the old Scarboro rink. Golf...Shaganappi. Baseball...'62 Dodgers(city champs). Football...The Blairs back yard.
May God bless the entire Christie family.

Warren Blair

Jul 18, 2019

Sad to hear of Mike's passing. Fond memories of the days shared with the Sovereign Cres. gang. I was envious of Mike's natural athleticism.

Mickey Byrne

Jul 18, 2019

Mike will be missed by many. One of the truly 'Good Guys" in the golf business.